Small Disadvantaged Minority and Women Owned Business Program

The City of Raleigh makes every effort to assist small disadvantaged minority and women business owners in their efforts to build success.

Mission Statement
It is the policy of the City of Raleigh to provide small disadvantaged minority and women-owned businesses equal opportunities to receive and participate in all aspects of the City's contracting and procurement program including but not limited to construction projects, supplies and material purchases and professional and personal services contracts. Through SDMWOB program, the City has set an aspirational goal for participation by small disadvantaged minority and women-owned businesses.

Program Objectives

• To recognize small disadvantaged minorities and women owned businesses and provide equal opportunity for participating in City of Raleigh construction, contracting and procurement programs

• To provide greater information, service, and responsiveness to SDMWOB's, who by their circumstance and limited employee resources, may not be able to access information on services and commodities the City is seeking

• To increase awareness of the existence and capabilities of small disadvantaged minority and women owned businesses/firms and become familiar with their product lines

• To sponsor special seminars and training programs that will assist small disadvantaged minorities and women owned businesses in becoming actively involved both in procurement and subcontracting in large contracting projects

Program Goals
The City of Raleigh has adopted a goal of 15% with sub goal for small disadvantaged minority and women-owned businesses owned by minorities 8% and women 7% on each project in construction contracts over $100,000 and in general purchases of goods and services.

Purchasing Assistance
The City of Raleigh is proactive in encouraging purchases of goods and services from small disadvantaged minority and women-owned businesses (SDMWOB's) as well as soliciting participation in City construction bids. City departments will coordinate purchases with the SDMWOB Buyer in order to provide opportunities for SDMWOB firms to compete on all City purchases and contracts.

The City recommends certifying your company with the Statewide Uniform Certification (SWUC) program to put your company on a level playing field with other companies who want to bid on contracts with the City.

Certification Requirements
As of July 1, 2009, SDMWOB certification is handled by NC Department of Administration's Office of Historically Underutilized Businesses (HUB). Visit the Statewide Uniform Certification (SWUC) program website to learn more about the statewide certification process. Simply click on Request HUB Certification, then Vendor Registration, and follow the site's directions from there. Paperwork will be required and should be sent directly to HUB's office in Raleigh. For more information, call (919) 807-2330.

Companies interested in applying to become a certified SDMWOB business must:

• Demonstrate at least 51 percent ownership and control on a day-to-day basis by a small disadvantaged women or minority, including African-American and Hispanic
• Complete a detailed application through the SWUC Certification program
• Provide ample documentation to support the claim of a small disadvantaged minority or women owned business
• Be available for a personal interview or site visit, if requested
• Register your business with the City of Raleigh's E-Procurement System

Contact Luther R. Williams at (919) 996-4278 to receive bid notices.

Responsibilities of the City of Raleigh
The City of Raleigh will ensure equal opportunity to contract with small disadvantaged minority and women-owned businesses and will ensure that its contractors take similar action with small disadvantaged minority and women-owned businesses. Those actions shall include:

1. Preparation of Bid Packages: The operating departments shall include in the contract specification, special instructions and procedures related to the City's Small Disadvantaged Minority and Women Owned Business Program.
2. Advertising for Construction Bids: A period of at least thirty (30) days will be given between construction bids.
3. Small Disadvantaged Minority and Women-Owned Business Workshops: Workshops will be conducted at least semiannually by the Business Assistance Program Office to acquaint small disadvantaged minority and women-owned business firms with bidding procedures.
4. Communication Program for Procurement and Construction: A. On-Going Communication Program: Semiannually, the City of Raleigh will make available a list of proposed major procurement and construction projects. B. Communication Relevant to Specific Construction: When the City of Raleigh receives from bidders a listing of items of work for which subcontractors and materials are being sought, the City shall notify small disadvantaged minority and women-owned businesses.
5. Other Technical Assistance: The City of Raleigh shall periodically hold workshops, seminars, or training sessions designed to acquaint small disadvantaged minority and women-owned businesses with the City of Raleigh's construction and procurement contracting procedures.